Terrebonne residents have consistently broken the ban on holidays when the explosives are traditionally used, according to sheriff’s officials.

"We average about 80 complaints a night during the Fourth of July and New Years, where about 20 citations are written," said Sheriff-elect Vernon Bourgeois, adding that there will be extra deputies looking for violators this year. "As complaints come in, we’ll follow up with citations and confiscation of fireworks."

Residents charged with violating the ordinance will be issued misdemeanor summons, according to authorities. A court appearance is mandatory, during which a fine will be levied.

"It’s literally up to the judge," said Lt. Brent Hidalgo.

Growing business, injuries low

While the sale of fireworks has been banned from the parish, the business has grown in the state, according to state fire marshal officials. In the last five years, the number of permits sold for firework stands has jumped from 500 to 820.

"Everyone is always calling me and telling me they want to put up a firework tent," said Bill Owens, who oversees firework sales and public displays for the state fire marshal’s office. "They’re just getting more popular."

A permit for selling fireworks can be obtained through the state with ease, Owens said. All that’s required is about $100, a tax identification number, an address for the stand and a notarized affidavit.

"You could get it within a day," Owens said.

This year, the number of stands in Lafourche Parish reached 40, according to the fire marshals office. St Mary has two stands and Assumption has about 10.

Nationwide, fireworks use has increased while injuries caused by the explosives have decreased, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association, a fireworks trade organization.

More than 278 million pounds of fireworks were used in 2006, according to the association, while only 3.3 injuries occurred for every 100,000 pounds of explosives used.

About 30 years ago, 29 million pounds of fireworks were used in the country with 38.3 injuries occurring for every 100,000 pounds, the association reported.

Sheriff Larpenter said Terrebonne’s ban stems from the potentially hazardous nature of the explosives, especially when handled by children.

"It’s a shame that you’ve got kids telling their parents they want fireworks and they go and get them," Larpenter said. "Children end up in the hospital with an eye injury. If they’re not properly supervised, they’re dangerous."

Benefiting business in Lafourche

In Louisiana, fireworks sales are broken into two seasons: from Dec. 15 to Jan. 1 and June 25 to July 5. But stand owners say their success boils down to one day of the year: New Year’s Eve.

"In a lot of ways, it’s a one day season," said Jason Marietta, owner of Louisiana Fireworks. "Your stands are there before that just to let people know you’re there."

Marietta, who has operated his company for more than 25 years, said that about 80 percent of his business is done on New Year’s Eve.

Of the more than 18 firework stands Marietta owns, four of them are in Lafourche, where he said business has grown as a result of the ban in Terrebonne.

"Ever since we’ve expanded in that area, Terrebonne has been banned," he said. "Our spots have steadily increased every year we’ve been in Lafourche."

Business is doing so well in the area, Marietta said, that he has considered opening a permanent location near the Lafourche-Terrebonne parish line.

"All our stands make at least five figures," he said, adding that he considers the business good for the parish. "(By banning the sale of fireworks), mostly what you’re doing is missing out on sales tax revenue. Firemen and policemen are still going to have to deal with the problem."

Parish support

Lafourche Parish Council members say they are in favor of fireworks because of their popularity.

"I couldn’t go for a ban in Lafourche," said Lindel Toups, councilman for District 6. "I just went to buy a bunch of fireworks for my grandchildren, but I supervise them."

Tradition alone is what will most likely keep fireworks legal in Lafourche, said Mark Atzenhoffer, District 5 councilman. "I’m going to spend some money this week (on fireworks) and ring in the new year just like I always do."

Atzenhoffer said residents will buy fireworks no matter what, making a ban ineffective.

"You have a good time and then you clean up afterward," he said. "People are responsible. Let them have some fun."

Clayton Voisin, District 7 councilman in Terrebonne, said he hears fireworks exploding through his neighborhood on New Year’s Eve.

"(Lighting fireworks) is something I remember as a child and enjoy," he said.

Though they are potentially dangerous, Voisin said, he would support legalizing them in unincorporated parts of the parish. The parish spends money enforcing the ban, he said, but receives no sales taxes from the fireworks purchased in other parishes.

"Like anything else (potentially dangerous), like boats or cars, I think fireworks have their place," he said. "We get no tax revenue from it. If someone does complain about it, we have to pay a uniformed deputy to warn them. We’re spending money on something we don’t make money on."